Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Dr. Deborah Bako Odoh, the new Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) has promised to bring diligence, transparency and professionalism for the coordination of the Ministry’s budgeting processes and the implementation of National Development Plans. This was contained in a statement signed by Osagie Jacobs J.I (Mrs), Director, Information and Public Relations.
She gave these words of assurance as she assumed duties as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry at the handover ceremony following the posting of Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, who was redeployed to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources sometime in May 2025 before his latest posting to the Federal Civil Service Commission.
Dr. Odoh stated that the mandate of the Ministry is central to the Federal Government’s aspiration for economic stability, inclusive growth and sustainable national development, while noting that budgeting and economic planning are not mere administrative or planning processes but instruments through which government’s intentions are translated into measurable outcomes that improve the lives of Nigerian citizens.
She acknowledged the head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs. Didi Watson-Jack, for her unwavering commitment to building an epic civil Service that is efficient, productive, incorruptible, and citizen centred. According to her, “I pledge to work closely with her office and to ensure that the values and reforms underpinning the EPIC agenda are reflected in the work, the systems and results of the Ministry”.
She appreciated the efforts of the Director, Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, who had been overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary for the past six months, as his dedication and commitment to duty ensured continuity in the Ministry’s operations. Dr. Odoh also appreciated the dedication and professionalism of the Staff of the Ministry as their expertise, institutional memory, and commitment to national development have been the backbone of the Ministry over the years.
She promised to work closely with the Honourable Minister, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and the management staff to strengthen institutional capacity, promote evidence based planning, and ensure greater alignment between policy, planning, and budgeting. Odoh expressed hope that with the support of the management staff, significant progress will be achieved by the Ministry.
Dr. Sampson Ebimaro the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, who also is the Director International Cooperation, in his welcome remarks, gave a brief achievements of the Ministry during his acting capacity and assured the PS of the unalloyed support of management and Staff of the Ministry to ensure she has a successful tenure.
Until her recent posting, she served as the Permanent Secretary, Service Policies, and Strategy Office (SPSO). Dr. Deborah Oyindamola Bako Odoh was appointed as a Permanent Secretary by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 23 November 2023.
END
